Top 5 health benefits of massage therapy!

Apr 14, 2015

Do you need any more reasons to book your appointment?

We all know that massage feels incredible, but did you know that they provide some serious health benefits? Now instead of viewing them as solely a luxurious treat, you can justify getting the more often because they are so good for you! Here are the top 5 health benefits of massage therapy. (Take notes, just in case you need help convincing your significant other that massages are definitely a need, not a want! ;))

Reduces muscle pain, tension and nerve pain

You remember that time you banged your knee and you rubbed it to make it feel better. Massage works the same way by increasing circulation and blood flow to reduce pain. So whether you are sore from a workout, pregnant, or suffer from a past muscle injury, get a massage! You don’t have to be in pain anymore. (insert happy dance here!)

Relieves stress and anxiety

Michelangelo said, “To touch is to give life.” And he was exactly right. The ‘science of touch’ is a real thing. In fact scientists have declared that human touch is vital to our communication, bonding and health. A new study from researchers in Utah finds that a warm touch — the non-sexual, supportive kind — tempers stress and blood pressure and enhances the production of oxytocin, a hormone thought to calm and counter stress. Sadly, our culture is pretty touch deprived. Massage therapists provide a friendly, safe, and professional experience that can reduce your stress levels.

Boost you immune system

With all the increased blood flow and circulation from the massage, it also can boost your white blood cell count, which can help your body ward off illness and disease.

Soothes headaches

Massage therapy has been known to effectively treat both tension headaches and migraines. Massage increases your blood flow which reduces pain. It also helps relax irritable tissues that act as trigger points for pain and helps to prevent muscle spams. Headache medicine can temporarily reduce symptoms but it does not solve the problem. Massages is a great remedy for headaches, getting to the root of the pain and helping you gain permanent relief.

Improves sleep

Massage also decreases the level of stress hormones like Cortisol in your body which can help you sleep better. This in turn also helps you to avoid headaches, resulting in even lower levels of stress and therefore even better sleep. So if you aren’t sleeping well, stop popping pills and try an approach that will have a lasting solution- massage!

Massage therapy does not replace regular medical and is not for everyone, according to the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.org/), massages are not appropriate for people who have bleeding disorders, take blood-thinning medication, have deep vein thrombosis, have fractures or suffer server osteoporosis.

For the majority of people massage therapy is a fantastic addition to a healthy routine. When you book your massage with us, let our therapist know of any health issues or concerns so we can tailor your massage to best fit your needs.